Becoming a Clinical Psychologist in Malaysia

If you’re interested in becoming a clinical psychologist, Malaysia is a great place to do so. The country’s growing population of multicultural people means that there is a strong demand for clinical psychologists. The country also has a highly skilled and experienced workforce. For those interested in becoming clinical psychologists in Malaysia, PSIMA is one of the leading organizations to join.

Career options
There are several career options for clinical psychologists in Malaysia. Among the most popular are clinical psychologists and educational psychologists. Both these professions involve helping students in school and implementing support programs. Despite the growing demand for mental health professionals, Malaysia faces a shortage of trained professionals. It is estimated that there is only one clinical psychologist per 980,000 people.

As a clinical psychologist, you can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centres, and private practices. Depending on your preferences and the type of work you are interested in, you can also choose to work in academia.

Education requirements
A professional clinical psychologist in Malaysia must have a master’s degree and additional training. Having a background in psychology is helpful because it allows a person to understand human behavior and how it can be affected by certain events. Psychologists help people to navigate through difficult emotions, overcome behavioral problems, and make better decisions. To become a clinical psychologist in Malaysia, a person must first complete an SPM and master’s degree.

Licensed clinical psychologists in Malaysia must complete a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology and at least 1500 hours of supervised work experience, including at least 700 hours with actual clients. The Allied Health Professions Act 2016 regulates the practice of clinical psychologists in Malaysia. The duties of a clinical psychologist include psychological assessment diagnostics, and communication with people to improve their mental health.

Salary
The salary of clinical psychologists in Malaysia ranges from a minimum of 12,500 MYR to a maximum of 20,900 MYR per month. The salary for this professional varies according to experience. Those with less than two years of experience can expect to earn around 12,500 MYR per month. However, the rate increases as a person move up the hierarchy. A clinical psychologist with more than ten years of experience can earn double or triple that amount.

There is a limited number of clinical psychologists in Malaysia, but their contribution is significant to the treatment of psychological disorders. Their role involves investigating and screening clients and recommending appropriate treatment for them. They may also serve in the emergency room, in psychiatric wards, and in various departments in teaching hospitals.

Working conditions
Working conditions for clinical psychologists in Malaysia are quite challenging. The government has not created enough positions for clinical psychologists in the country. However, there is a growing demand for psychologists in Malaysia and salaries are on the rise. In Malaysia, there are approximately 16,000 registered clinical psychologists.

As a clinical psychologist in Malaysia, you will work closely with psychiatrists to provide a range of mental health services. They perform tests and diagnoses to determine the causes of psychological disorders, and they may also provide psychotherapy and other treatments to treat these conditions. In addition to psychiatric services, clinical psychologists play an integral part in health promotion programs, neuropsychological assessments, professional management issues, and forensic sciences in the country. Moreover, clinical psychologists in Malaysia often receive referrals from other medical practitioners, including physicians, to provide patients with advice on various treatment options.

Working conditions for clinical psychologists in Malaysia depend on the type of practice. Some work as part of a healthcare team, collaborating with medical doctors, nurses, and social workers to provide care to patients. Others choose to work independently. They can find employment in public or private health care, in hospitals, or in community health centres. Some even choose to set up their own practices.

Resilience
The differences between the resilience scores of younger and older healthcare professionals can be explained by differences in the sample populations and life experiences. These differences may be related to the locus of control. Westerners typically adopt an external locus of control, while Asians tend to adopt an internal locus of control. Younger healthcare professionals may also be less resilient than their older colleagues because they may be still finding their way in their profession and may be more vulnerable to feelings of loss and grief.

Resilience has positive associations with both self-compassion and psychological well-being among counselors in Malaysia. This positive relationship suggests that resilience may be a significant mediator between self-compassion and psychological well-being.